Vietnam Invites French Investors to Strengthen Economic Ties at Southeast Asia Business Forum
Paris, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering long-term cooperation and business activities with international enterprises, pledging to be a reliable partner with a stable investment environment. Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Bùi Hoàng Phương made this statement at the third Southeast Asia Business Forum held in Paris, France, on Wednesday.
In his opening remarks, Phương encouraged French businesses to enhance their investments in Vietnam and the broader ASEAN region. He emphasized that Vietnam prioritizes creating favorable conditions for French and EU investors to achieve sustainable, mutually beneficial, and effective development, particularly in digital infrastructure and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to drive economic growth.
Phương highlighted that the workshop serves as a practical initiative to strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and France, as well as between ASEAN and the EU—two key global economic regions. He underscored Vietnam’s political stability, leadership commitment to science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and its strategic location as a gateway to ASEAN, which enhances ties between Vietnam, France, and other ASEAN countries.
The event, held alongside the AI Action Summit in Paris, brought together economic leaders, experts, and nearly 200 representatives from businesses in France and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam’s FPT Software. Participants analyzed economic opportunities and market trends in the region, helping French businesses establish strong partnerships with potential collaborators.
French Minister for Foreign Trade and Overseas French Affairs Laurent Saint-Martin noted that the forum provided valuable insights for French businesses seeking to understand the Southeast Asian market, particularly Vietnam. He stressed the importance of trade connections and partnerships, emphasizing that the strategic partnership established in October 2023 must be further strengthened through trade agreements and business engagements.
According to Adam Koulaksezian, director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, over 300 French companies are currently operating in Vietnam, primarily in healthcare, cosmetics, food processing, equipment, and aviation.
Chu Thị Thanh Hà, chairperson of FPT Software, highlighted the company’s 20-year collaboration with French firms, including major corporations like Airbus and Canal+, in developing innovative products and solutions. She confirmed that FPT Software is preparing to implement cooperative projects in AI and semiconductors ahead of a visit by French leaders to Vietnam.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Đinh Toàn Thắng expressed his hope that the forum would enable French and Vietnamese partners to better understand each other, identify priority areas, and develop specific projects to advance the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized cooperation in emerging fields such as digital technology, AI, information infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
